Regarding hitch sizes, there are four standard hitch sizes to look out for: 1-1/4″, 2″, 2-1/2″, and 3″. The hitch size refers to the interior dimensions of the hitch receiver.
Knowing your trailer hitch receiver size is easy, all you need to do is take a tape measure inside of the tube to inside of the tube.
In this article, we will cover each trailer receiver size and hitch class and explain how much they can tow.
Trailer Hitch Class Ratings
There are five hitch classes with varying weight ratings. For example, the ratings could be 2,000 lbs up to 20,000 lbs.
Each hitch has specific ratings that might be lower than the maximum range of the designated hitch class, so checking the ratings before using them is essential.
Class 1 Hitches
- Receiver Size: 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ receiver
- Weight Rating: Up to 2,000 lbs. GTW
Class 1 trailer hitches are the smallest hitches you will find on the market. These hitches are designed for passenger cars and small crossovers.
The receiver hitch size measures 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ and could come with a fixed tongue to mount directly on the trailer.
Most class 1 hitches have a maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs and can tow up to 2,000 lbs.
Class 2 Hitches
- Receiver Size: 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ receiver
- Weight Rating: Up to 3,500 lbs. GTW
Class 2 trailer hitches have 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ receiver sizes. The hitch in this class is mainly used for lightweight towing applications.
Therefore, they usually fall into the same category as Class 1 hitches featuring the same hitch receiver size but can be used for slightly heavier towing applications.
Most class 2 hitches have a maximum weight rating of 3500 lbs with a tongue weight of 350 lbs.
Class 1 vs. Class 2 Hitches
While the receiver size in Class 1 and Class 2 hitches remains the same at 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, the weight rating of both options significantly differs.
For example, using a Class 1 hitch, you will be limited to a maximum towing weight of 2,000 lbs and tongue weight of 200 lbs.
A Class 2 hitch, on the other hand, has a maximum towing weight of 3,500 lbs and a tongue weight of 350 lbs.
Class 3 Hitches
- Receiver Size: 2″ x 2″ receiver
- Weight Rating: Up to 8,000 lbs. GTW
The Class 3 hitch is the most common receiver hitch class on the market. Due to their versatility, you will find them installed on SUVs and trucks.
Additionally, if you own a car with a towing prep package, it would most definitely be a class 3 hitch.
Class 3 hitches feature a 2″ x 2″ receiver tube opening and can pull load capacities up to 8,000 lbs. In addition, some class 3 hitch come with accessories that allow them to be used together with a weight distribution hitch.
Class 2 vs. Class 3 Hitch
Class 2 hitches are not the same as class 3 hitches. Instead, they feature a 1-1/4″ receiver with a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs GTW.
On the other hand, class 3 hitches come with a 2″ receiver and wide range towing capacity of up to 8,000 lbs.
In addition, class 3 hitches can be used with a weight distributor hitch which expands the towing capacity up to 12,000 lbs.
Class 4 Hitches
- Receiver Size: 2″ x 2″ receiver
- Weight Rating: Up to 10,000 lbs. GTW
Class 4 trailer hitches are usually mounted on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. They feature a 2″ x 2″ receiver tube opening but with an even higher carrying capacity of up to 10,000 lbs and a tongue weight of 1,000 lbs.
As a result, they are more suitable for commercial towing applications. The class 4 hitches can also utilize a weight distribution hitch, increasing their weight capacity to 12,000 lbs.
Class 3 vs. Class 4 Hitch
Class 3 and 4 hitches feature 2″ x 2″ exact receiver sizes. As a result, class 3 has a lower weight rating than class 4.
With Class 3, the weight towing capacity is up to 8,000 lbs with a tongue weight of 800 lbs. Class 4 hitches have a maximum weight of 10,000 plus a tongue weight of 1,000 lbs.
However, both classes can be expanded using a weight hitch distributor up to 12,000 lbs.
Class 5 Hitches
- Receiver Size: 2″ or 2-1/2″ receiver
- Weight Rating: Up to 20,000 lbs. GTW
Class 5 trailer hitches are mainly used for heavy-duty towing needs, with a weight rating capacity of up to 20,000 lbs.
These hitches are usually found on full-size pickups and commercial trucks.
There are two main types of Class 5 hitches. First, there is the Xtra Duty (XD) class 5 hitch which comes with a 2″ receiver and has a rating of up to 17,000 lbs and a tongue weight limit of 2,400 lbs.
The other is the Commercial Duty (CD) class 5 hitches, which come with a 2-1/2″ receiver and have a weight capacity rating of 20,000 lbs and a tongue weight limit of 2,700 lbs.
Class 4 vs. Class 5 Hitch
Class 4 hitches have a generally lower rating than class 5 hitches because class 4 hitches are restricted to a 2″ receiver and have a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs while class 5 hitches come with different receiver sizes. Only one type of the class 5 hitch uses a 2″ receiver.
Class 5 hitches are also available with a 2-1/2″ receiver and have a weight rating of up to 20,000 lbs.
Types of Hitch Receivers
There are 6 different types of hitch receivers.
- Custom hitch
- Rear mount hitch
- Front hitch
- Multi-Fit hitch
- Bumper hitch
- RV hitch
Custom Hitch
A customer hitch is a receiver designed for a specific vehicle application or model. It is the best fit for your vehicle, allowing easy installation and optimal weight capacity.
Rear Mount Hitch
A rear mount hitch is designed to be attached to the rear or underside of your tow vehicle and is the most common type on the market. Rear mount hitches could also come as custom hitch receivers and multi-fit receivers.
Front Hitch
Front hitches, as the name implies, will be connected to the front of the vehicle. These hitches are not used for towing but for snowplows, holding tires, and winches.
Multi-Fit Hitch
Multi-fit hitches are designed for multiple vehicles, featuring an adjustable frame that allows for easy tweaking so you can get the exact size for your car.
Bumper Hitch
Bumper hitch receivers are designed to be attached to a vehicle’s bumper for lightweight towing. The weight capacity of this hitch is dependent on the bumper.
The rating capacity of these hitches is usually shallow, but they’re usually the cheapest options you will find on the market.
RV Hitch
RV hitch receivers are heavy-duty hitches that are designed to be able to take the weight of an RV. They will be compatible with various RV-specific hitch accessories and can only be attached to trucks or large vans.